Toyota Tacoma Generations, Editions, Engines, and Shopping for Suggestions

Fast Info Concerning the Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize truck with large capabilities. We prefer it a lot, we named it our Midsize Truck Greatest Purchase for 2024 — the third yr in a row for that award. It stays one of many vehicles of selection for off-road and out of doors fans. The Tacoma is large enough to haul all loads of tenting gear or sports activities gear whereas being nimble sufficient to suit on tight trails which might be typically the one solution to entry distant areas. Additionally, the Tacoma is more likely to match inside a mean storage with a most automobile size of lower than 18 toes.

Toyota stopped producing the Tacoma Common Cab in 2014, which measures 190.4 inches in size, longer than the 1995 Tacoma Common Cab at 173.2 inches. The primary-generation Tacoma vehicles are the shortest and lightest obtainable, making them a primary candidate for constructing the last word Baja-inspired racer or hard-core rock crawler. Learn on to get all the knowledge you want for purchasing a Toyota Tacoma.

Toyota Tacoma Defined:

Toyota Tacoma Generations

The Toyota Tacoma has been in manufacturing since 1995 and is now the longest consecutively produced midsize truck (29 years). It reached that mark in 2024, displacing the Ford Ranger that held the document at 28 years (1983-2011).

The Toyota Tacoma memes and stickers typically discuss with the truck because the “Taco” and have the Toyota badge on a taco or within the form of 1, a Tacoma carrying a taco within the mattress, or a reimagined Taco Bell brand.

Generations	Manufacturing
1st Gen	1995 – 2004
2nd Gen	2005 – 2015
third Gen	2016 – 2023
4th Gen	2024-TBD

1st Technology Toyota Tacoma (1995 – 2004)

The primary-generation vehicles have three engine choices that produce between 142 and 190 horsepower. In 1998, the Tacoma acquired some revisions courtesy of Toyota Racing Growth (TRD), which is well-known for its work on the MKIV Supra sports activities automotive. The TRD Off-Street bundle improves efficiency by including a locking rear differential to assist put the facility down when the terrain will get tough.

Toyota Tacoma 1st Technology Engines

Displacement	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)
2.4L I4	142	160
2.7L I4	150	177
3.4L V6	190	220

2nd Technology Toyota Tacoma (2005 – 2015)

The smaller 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine left the engine lineup, and a brand new, bigger 4.0-liter V6 engine turned obtainable with an influence output of 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. The non-compulsory TRD supercharger bumped the facility as much as 300 horsepower and 334 lb-ft of torque. The second-generation Tacoma has extra energy and grew fairly a bit in measurement in comparison with the earlier technology.

A primary-generation Common Cab Tacoma ranged from 173.2 inches to 190 inches relying on the yr, and the second-generation Common Cab Tacoma measures 190.4 inches throughout all mannequin years.

Toyota Tacoma 2nd Technology Engines

Displacement	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)
2.7L I4	159 – 164	180 – 183
4.0L V6	236	266

third Technology Toyota Tacoma (2016 – 2023)

The third-generation Toyota Tacoma first turned obtainable in 2016 and featured a smaller however extra highly effective V6 engine. The Tacoma’s V6 engine shrunk from 4.0-liters to three.5-liters whereas rising energy output by 42 horsepower. The tried-and-true 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine carries over from the earlier technology as the bottom engine choice. In 2021, a Tacoma TRD elevate package turned obtainable as a dealer-installed choice for 2020 and newer V6 4×4 vehicles, rising body floor clearance by 1.7 inches.

Toyota Tacoma third Technology Engines

Displacement	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)
2.7L I4	161	181
3.5L V6	278	265

4^th Technology Toyota Tacoma (2024-TBD)

Touchdown in Toyota showrooms in 2024, the fourth-generation Tacoma arrived with two new powertrains. In its much less highly effective type, the bottom mill (SR trim solely) is a 228-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. An 8-speed automated transmission funnels engine output to both the rear wheels or all 4 wheels when you go for 4WD. The next 5 trim variants get a extra extremely tuned i-Pressure model of that turbo engine, good for 270 horsepower utilizing the obtainable 6-speed guide transmission. Going with the automated transmission will increase output to 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The second energy supply is an i-Pressure Max hybrid powertrain. Its combustion element is a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which is joined to an electrical motor to generate a complete of 326 horsepower (323 hp within the grade). You possibly can go for the Hybrid powertrain within the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Street, and Restricted trims. It’s commonplace within the TRD Professional and Trailhunter fashions. This technology is out there in XtraCab and Double Cab type.

Toyota Tacoma 4^th Technology Engines

Displacement	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)
2.4 Turbo I4	228	243
2.4L Turbo i-Pressure	270 MT/278 AT	310 MT/317 AT
2.4L Turbo i-Pressure Max	326	465

Toyota Tacoma Particular Editions

The Toyota Tacoma is available in many particular editions, and also you’ll possible see extra given its recognition. Tacoma has held the title of America’s best-selling midsize truck for 17 years. Over time, the Tacoma has taken many varieties, from a supercharged avenue truck to a Baja-inspired racing truck.

Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner (1998 – 2015)

The Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner gives all of the off-road goodies of the 4×4 TRD model, aside from the 4-wheel drive (4WD). The title Pre-Runner comes from the vehicles that scout out the racecourse on apply runs earlier than race day. Typically Pre-Runner vehicles include 2-wheel drive (2WD) as a result of they’re cheaper and simpler to take care of. One other profit to 2WD vehicles over 4WD vehicles is the elevated suspension journey that isn’t restricted to the utmost angle of the U-joints or CV shafts.

Toyota Tacoma S-Runner (2000 – 2004)

The Toyota Tacoma S-Runner is perhaps the best avenue truck for these not planning to take their Tacoma off-roading. The lowered trip peak, sporty fascia, aspect skirts, and non-compulsory TRD supercharger make the Tacoma enjoyable to drive however nonetheless a sensible truck. The supercharged 3.4-liter V6 produces 254 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, and has sufficient energy to interrupt free the rear wheels.

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner (2005 – 2015)

Toyota took the S-Runner to the intense, creating the Toyota Tacoma X-Runner when the second technology of the truck turned obtainable. The Tacoma X-Runner options sportier bumpers, aspect skirts, a body X-brace, and a sport suspension that lowered the trip peak by 2 inches. An non-compulsory massive brake package from StopTech and a TRD supercharger added further efficiency to assist the truck again up its “Quick and Livid” styling. The supercharged engine in these vehicles produce 300 horsepower and 334 lb-ft of torque, simply shy of a 30% enhance in energy output.

Toyota launched the Tacoma X-Runner a yr after the second-generation Ford Lightning stopped manufacturing, so that they weren’t direct rivals although they’re each muscle vehicles. The total-size Lightning solely has a slight power-to-weight ratio benefit, although it made considerably extra horsepower and torque due to the supercharged V8 engine. (Ford now makes use of the Lightning monicker for its all-electric F-150.)

	Tacoma X-Runner	Ford SVT Lightning
Horsepower	300	380
Torque	334	450
Weight	3,835	4,702
Kilos per hp	12.78	12.37
Kilos per torque	11.48	10.45

Toyota Tacoma Ironman (2008)

The Toyota Tacoma Ironman is in honor of Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, whose racing profession spanned over 30 years as a Toyota factory-sponsored driver. In 2006, Ivan was an inductee into the Off-Street Motorsports Corridor of Fame, which made certain that future generations would know the historical past of Ivan “Ironman” Stewart and the legendary Toyota vehicles he drove to victory quite a few occasions all through his off-road racing profession.

The Ironman Tacoma consists of Bilstein height-adjustable shocks, MagnaFlow cat-back exhaust, TRD supercharger, Hurst shifter deal with, 20-inch Alcoa cast aluminum wheels, Ironman badges, and sequentially numbered sprint plaque. Oddly, this off-road-inspired Tacoma options 20-inch wheels and tires, which don’t enhance efficiency when driving over rugged terrain.

Toyota Tacoma TRD T|X (2012 – 2014)

The Tacoma TRD T|X was obtainable for 2 mannequin years and consisted of three totally different packages. The highest-tier Tacoma TRD T|X Baja version was a dear choice at $5,015. It required a prerequisite TRD Off-Street bundle, which added $3,455 to the acquisition value on the time. With a bundle value of $8,470 in 2012, the inflation-adjusted bundle is available in shy of $10,000 a decade later in 2022.

Toyota Tacoma TRD T|X – Tacoma vehicles geared up with the T|X bundle function Beadlock wheels, tube steps, and T|X graphics on the mattress.

Toyota Tacoma TRD T|X Professional – The T|X professional fashions embody Beadlock wheels, TRD cat-back exhaust, and T|X Professional graphics on the mattress.

Toyota Tacoma TRD T|X Baja – The Baja model of the T|X took modifications a bit additional by including upgraded TRD suspension to the truck, which improves off-road efficiency. The T|X Baja additionally consists of Beadlock wheels, TRD cat-back exhaust, and T|X Baja graphics on the mattress. It options vinyl flooring as a substitute of the carpet present in most different fashions to assist make the Tacoma simpler to scrub after a day of off-roading.

Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional (2015 – Present)

Drivers on the lookout for a reliable truck for off-roading with a manufacturing unit guarantee ought to think about the TRD Professional. Efficiency-wise the Toyota Tacoma TRD Professional options an upgraded Bilstein suspension that raises the trip peak, electronically locking rear differential, TRD cat-back exhaust, 16-inch TRD wheels, and TRD skid plates. The 2016 mannequin yr and newer Tacoma vehicles make the most of inside bypass Fox shocks.

The third-generation Tacoma TRD Professional gives a 3.5-liter V6 engine underneath the hood with an influence output of 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, and is out there with both a 6-speed guide or 6-speed automated transmission. The smaller 3.5-liter V6 makes 42 extra horsepower whereas solely shedding 1 lb-ft of torque in comparison with the bigger 4.0-liter V6 discovered within the second-generation Tacoma TRD Professional that was solely obtainable for the 2015 mannequin yr.

Toyota Tacoma Path Version (2021 – 2023)

Starting with the 2021 mannequin yr, the Toyota Tacoma Path Version is launched and focuses on an outside life-style by including extra facilities to the mattress. The truck’s mattress gives a 120-volt energy outlet and lockable storage that may double as a cooler. The motive force’s aspect storage compartment is insulated to maintain meals and drinks chilly whereas having fun with the nice outside. As soon as all of the ice has melted, merely pull out the drain plug for simple cleanup.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma Path Version retains most of the nice options of the earlier mannequin. The revised suspension raises the Tacoma Path Version 1.1 inches within the entrance and 0.5 inches within the rear. To enhance stability, Toyota specced a set of 16-inch TRD wheels, which enhance the observe width by 0.5 inches.

Eradicating the air dam from the entrance bumper helps additional enhance the strategy angle elevating it to 34 levels. Toyota eliminated the 2WD model of the Tacoma Path Version from its lineup. It could disappoint some, however they might come round, contemplating the enhancements made concerning off-roading.

Toyota Tacoma Nightshade (2021 – 2023)

Nightshade Version Toyota Tacoma vehicles focus extra on consolation and magnificence, primarily based on the luxurious Restricted trim stage. The inside options black leather-based, and the outside options blacked-out mirror caps, fog lights bezels, door deal with, 18-inch wheels, an exhaust tip, grille, and Tacoma badging. The Tacoma Nightshade Version throughout 2021 to 2023 was obtainable in both 2WD or 4WD.

Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter (2024 – Present)

Toyota added the Trailhunter grade to the Tacoma portfolio to deal with the rising fascination with the overlanding development. It’s a self-sufficient fashion of tenting with an off-roading element. The thought is to camp at distant spots solely accessible by critical off-road autos, hauling no matter is important to outlive with you. The place is TRD Professional excels in rushing over rugged terrain, the Trailhunter is engineered extra towards slow-paced rock crawling. Toyota outfits it with a normal high-clearance bumper, an ARB metal rear bumper, frame-mounted rock rails, the Multi-Terrain System with Crawl Management, Previous Man Emu suspension parts, and extra. It comes with the brand new i-Pressure Max hybrid powertrain and 4WD.

Toyota Tacoma Engines

Toyota has used 5 totally different engines over virtually three a long time of Tacoma manufacturing. The three.4-liter and 4.0-liter V6 engines might be geared up with a TRD supercharger, offering a wholesome increase in horsepower and torque. The three.5-liter V6 engine, sadly, doesn’t provide the choice so as to add a TRD supercharger. Should you add one, be certain it’s producer authorised, or you may threat voiding the Tacoma guarantee.

Gasoline – Toyota Tacoma fashions in the US use primarily fuel engines. Consequently, gasoline is the first gas for many autos. Supercharged engines would require premium fuel because of the elevated knock resistance of the upper octane.

Electrical – Toyota created an electrified i-Pressure Max hybrid model of the Tacoma for the Tacoma’s fourth technology, but it surely isn’t all-electric. Moderately, it’s a gas-electric hybrid. Electrical vehicles are rising extra standard annually as battery know-how advances and extra producers begin to construct EVs, however Toyota has but to introduce an all-electric Tacoma EV. Electrical motors provide peak torque from 0 RPM. That makes them well-suited for off-roading when climbing over rugged terrain. Toyota has made no official announcement on this, however keep tuned.

Toyota Tacoma Engines

Displacement	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)
2.4L I4	142	160
2.7L I4	150	177
3.4L V6	190	220
4.0L V6	236	266
3.5L V6	278	265
2.4L Turbo I4	228	243
2.4L Turbo i-Pressure	270	310
2.4L Turbo i-Pressure Max	326	465

Toyota Tacoma Suspension

The Toyota Tacoma rides on impartial entrance suspension with coil springs and both a stable rear axle with leaf springs or a coil-spring multi-link rear suspenion. Leaf springs have lengthy been the suspension of selection for the rear suspension on vehicles because of their simplicity and energy. Leaf springs use two body mounting factors that assist distribute the payload a little bit higher than a coilover shock, which solely gives one mounting level. Multi-link setups are pricier however make for higher trip high quality.

Particular particular editions just like the TRD Professional fashions function upgraded shocks from both Bilstein or Fox suspension, relying on the mannequin yr. The upgraded shocks provide larger trip peak and extra off-road efficiency, and it’s essential to know that rebuilding or changing high-performance shocks isn’t low cost. Changing the shocks on a daily Toyota Tacoma may cost a couple of hundred {dollars}, whereas changing the shocks on a Tacoma TRD Professional may cost a couple of thousand {dollars}.

The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize truck, so hopefully the chance of towing heavy masses is decreased in comparison with the full-size Toyota Tundra, which is a extra typical work truck. If a truck tows or carries heavy payloads, it may well expertise accelerated rear suspension element put on and, in excessive instances, bend the body.

Used Toyota Tacoma Shopping for Suggestions

Figuring out which used Toyota Tacoma is the best selection could be advanced with so many truck configurations obtainable. Toyota constructed the earliest variations of the Tacoma shorter than the later generations, making them a good selection for constructing a customized off-road rig. Every technology of Tacoma grows and gives a extra refined inside. Sadly, the Common Cab is now not obtainable after the second-generation Tacoma ended manufacturing in 2015.

Mechanical Inspection: Rust is usually a important concern when shopping for a Toyota Tacoma truck from 2005 – 2010 as a result of these variations skilled issues with extreme body rust inflicting body failure. In 2016, Toyota settled a category motion lawsuit and agreed to exchange rusted frames on affected Tacoma vehicles for as much as 15 years after the manufacturing date. Train warning when buying an early second-generation Tacoma if the unique body is previous the automobile recall expiration, because it might be costly to repair.

Undercarriage Inspection: When taking a look at one of many extra off-road-oriented Toyota Tacoma fashions, pay shut consideration to the undercarriage for any injury. Whereas the Tacoma TRD Professional comes with sturdy skid plates, not each Tacoma comes from the manufacturing unit with underbody safety. Additionally, if the truck comes with a elevate package and bigger tires, anticipate changing particular parts extra typically than a inventory truck. The additional peak and weight can stress the truck’s engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and steering, inflicting extra put on.

Paint Inspection: The most effective situations to examine the paint are when the automobile is clear and in direct daylight or underneath high-powered lights. Darker shade paint will present paint scratches and swirls simply and require a paint correction to take away them. Any scratches that catch a fingernail can’t be safely eliminated and would require repainting to take away them fully. Toyota vehicles pushed off-road can get scratched with branches and bushes, so paying shut consideration to the paint situation is essential. Including paint safety movie to the high-impact areas is usually a priceless funding within the automobile’s resale worth.

Inside Inspection: Give the inside of the Tacoma a stable inspection. Verify for any worn seat foam, particularly on the bolsters, since they take probably the most put on and tear from passengers getting out and in of the truck. Take a look at the climate-control system in its numerous modes and make sure that all the opposite buttons work as supposed to keep away from post-purchase surprises.

Which Toyota Tacoma Mannequin Years Ought to I Keep away from Shopping for?

The 2005 – 2010 Toyota Tacoma frames are recognized to have points with extreme rust. In 2016, Toyota settled a category motion lawsuit that can change a truck’s body for as much as 15 years from the manufacturing date. If the truck’s body obtained changed, there shouldn’t be any reservations about buying an early second-generation Toyota Tacoma. Aside from that, this truck is a stable performer.